So we have an Epson 9900, and I just want to know what y'all are doing for maintenance and standard practices for keeping it in good working order.
The biggest problem I have is clogged nozzles. Which never seem to go away. I've tried the trick of wetting a paper towel with windex and sliding the Printheads over it. The ammonia gasses are suppose to break down the ink clogs. It seems to work but only for a day or two. Is there a trick to getting them to stay clog-free?
Also, how low are you letting your inks go before replacing them? Is it bad practice to let it get empty before you switch them out? Vendors say not to, but that means buying ink more frequently. So not necessarily a viable source.
Are there any or preventative maintenance that you guys are doing?
We have a 7880 and here's what I can tell you:
- Leave it on all the time; turning it off and on charges the cartridges and wastes ink
- Run a nozzle check at least once a day; I do mine in the morning when I get here. It can help keep the nozzles from clogging and uses less ink than a regular cleaning cycle, or power cleaning cycle. You will have to do those things once in a while, but this will minimize it.
- I do a relinearization by measurement about every two months to maintain color.
same here, our 9900 is left on all day and we will run a nozzle check every morning.
sometimes we follow it up with a cleaning, maybe a power clean.
We also have the onboard spectro, so we have to keep it aligned as well.
When we change out any inks or paper, we will do the nozzle check, head clean and spectro align. SOP.
9800 here. Bought it off another closed company. Not a lot of hours on it but it sat too long so we had to replace the head. So far so good, think there was only one time it clogged so bad I had to do the windex trick. I run a nozzle check every time before I do the first proof of the day, that normally sorts it. It's gone weeks without being run and still once the nozzle check is finished it's good for a while.
I run the ink down to 3-4% of the tank. This leaves me with a ton of old tanks with a little ink in it but I'd rather that than it going dry midway through a proof.
It never gets shut off, it's on 24/7.
Kodak KPS handles the color. Have to calibrate it once a week.
I leave my 9900 on all the time. I have the SpectroProof attachment, EFI colorproof RIP.
I don't have too much trouble with clogged nozzles, but I use the normal clean printhead function at least once per week. Powerclean if it gets real bad.
Maintenance tanks... I let mine get almost full, then swap them. It seems to only use the one on the operator side, so I swap them and get double life, then order a pair and just replace both at the same time.
I haven't had any issues with inkjet printers since we got rid of all of them. :)
:lmao: If only...
Quote from: Ear on September 23, 2014, 01:15:04 PMMaintenance tanks... I let mine get almost full, then swap them. It seems to only use the one on the operator side, so I swap them and get double life, then order a pair and just replace both at the same time.
Forgot about that little trick. Yup, swap them and have 2 backups at all times. They will fill up at the worst possible friggin time.
With the maintenance tanks I've heard of people removing the housing and just replacing the absorbant "stuff" and resetting the counter. Is this worth the time or is it better to just get new ones?
Ya, I've heard of people messing with inks and other hacks but I stay away from that kind of thing, with such an expensive piece of equipment. Management has to accept the fact of consumables but swapping the maint tanks is harmless and saves money.
Quote from: Ear on September 23, 2014, 01:30:39 PMManagement has to accept the fact of consumables but swapping the maint tanks is harmless and saves money.
This is a battle I've mostly won. Yes, you
can do it, doesn't mean you should.
You have to learn to not get their hopes up. You cannot ever mention the possibility of a hack or they will expect it. You give them the worst scenario, then try your hack. If it works, you look like a hero. If not, you don't have egg on your face.
Hacking a proofer isn't where I'd be trying to save pennies. Have a color shift that happens on a proof and nobody catches it until it gets to the customer is a bad deal.
Again, just because it can be done doesn't mean it should be done. I'm watching my brother redo 60% of his new plow truck and saving pennies on things when they go wrong, it will mean the truck is down or you're doing repairs out in the snow. Not my idea of money well spent.
Agreed.
The thing practically takes care of itself. By default, the machine is set up to maintain itself. Just don't turn it off and make sure to let the machine go through its scheduled cycles. Are you using Epson inks? If you are getting a lot of clogged heads, it may be because you are using 3rd party inks or are skipping cleaning cycles. Take care of your machines and they will take care of you. Saving a penny is utterly a useless ploy.
WTF is a "mention". Our beloved forum is turning into FacialBook. JOE!?!?
A thumbs up? Or saying I approve of your message...
I don't facebook, so I don't know about the parallel there.
...forgot to tell you, we all wear suits now too.
And I requested we kill post counts. You're welcome :ugly:
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 11:10:34 AMWTF is a "mention". Our beloved forum is turning into FacialBook. JOE!?!?
There is NOTHING in this forum software linked in any way to Facebook.
Linked? No, no... the "like" button is JUST like it.
I am not wearing a suit, and if post counts go, I have nothing to live for anymore.
:banana: I have a raging mention going on! Thanks!
At least you have your old avatar back. Nice to see.
What's wrong with like? You can like a post but don't feel the need to comment on it.
Oh, that may be a foreign concept.
I comment on everything I "feel" needs commenting on. Now, I get a little reminder that I have a mention, ON TOP the little reminder I have messages. I'm turning that shit off. Now, just need to figure out where to do it.
Or we can post a topic in Information telling all members to NOT LIKE DCS' POSTS. Shouldn't be too hard. ;)
I encourage it.
...and I have half a mind to change my avatar!
;D it must be bust DCS' balls day?
Wait a minute there... that day don't come until November something or rather. I missed it last year.
This mention thing is driving me bat-shit insane. For all that is unholy, STOP!!!
HAHAHA
did I mention
HAHAHA
Quote from: Farabomb on September 24, 2014, 11:29:04 AMWhat's wrong with like? You can like a post but don't feel the need to comment on it.
Oh, that may be a foreign concept.
:goodpost:
You don't remember that I can draw a little, have a fairly good handle on Photoshop, an insane imagination and pictures of you?
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 11:48:35 AMYou don't remember that I can draw a little, have a fairly good handle on Photoshop, an insane imagination and pictures of you?
Who are you talking to? (There is a quote feature.)
Quote from: DigiCorn on September 24, 2014, 11:47:26 AMQuote from: Farabomb on September 24, 2014, 11:29:04 AMWhat's wrong with like? You can like a post but don't feel the need to comment on it.
Oh, that may be a foreign concept.
:goodpost:
...and here comes the Shit-Corn. You don't have thick enough skin to be involved in this debate, Ms. Grant.
Quote from: Joe on September 24, 2014, 11:50:04 AMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 11:48:35 AMYou don't remember that I can draw a little, have a fairly good handle on Photoshop, an insane imagination and pictures of you?
Who are you talking to? (There is a quote feature.)
Except every time I use it, the goddamn screen scrolls all over the place. You're just gonna have to figure it out.
I was talking to YOU.
(https://www.b4print.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8120.0;attach=14149)
try these settings and call me in the morning
:angry:
Quote from: born2print on September 24, 2014, 11:54:08 AM(https://www.b4print.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8120.0;attach=14149)
try these settings and call me in the morning
I did already. I heard you the first time. I have to mess with the settings a little. It is still doing it.
As I told digi yesterday, I'm having no issues with the quote formatting.
:lmao:
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 11:51:51 AMQuote from: Joe on September 24, 2014, 11:50:04 AMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 11:48:35 AMYou don't remember that I can draw a little, have a fairly good handle on Photoshop, an insane imagination and pictures of you?
Who are you talking to? (There is a quote feature.)
Except every time I use it, the goddamn screen scrolls all over the place. You're just gonna have to figure it out.
I was talking to YOU.
Well yeah when you hit the quote button it scrolls you down to the Quick Reply box. How else you gonna get there? You can turn that off....I think.
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 11:55:16 AM:angry:Quote from: born2print on September 24, 2014, 11:54:08 AM(https://www.b4print.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8120.0;attach=14149)
try these settings and call me in the morning
I did already. I heard you the first time. I have to mess with the settings a little. It is still doing it.
Sorry, I couldn't hear you over that baby crying noise
:lmao:
that noise is the Epson needing it's diaper changed...
Quote from: Farabomb on September 24, 2014, 11:57:04 AMAs I told digi yesterday, I'm having no issues with the quote formatting.
I guess I care. WTF are you talking about? I wasn't even here yesterday.
I will say, as long as you were fucking with Corn-Dog, I approve.
It matter if you were here yesterday? The posts stay up day to day.
Yes, I was poking corn with a stick. It's fun.
corn with a stick... reminds me it's gonna be State Fair time here in a couple of days!!!
WOOT, fried everything!!!
Quote from: Farabomb on September 24, 2014, 12:17:25 PMIt matter if you were here yesterday? The posts stay up day to day.
Yes, I was poking corn with a stick. It's fun.
Yes, it matters. I rarely go back and read yesterday's news. Each day is a new day, and I usually only read the current day unless it's a conversation I find interesting and want to know the origin.
As it is I can barely keep up.
Always fun to poke the Corn... as opposed to being poked by corn. :shocked:
Quote from: Ear on September 24, 2014, 12:55:51 PMAlways fun to poke the Corn... as opposed to being poked by corn. :shocked:
Word.
In your pants.
... as long as it's not in your Ear.
Hopefully, not your offspring.
Or your mother, or father for that matter.
Why go across town when you can go across the hall
Quote from: Ear on September 24, 2014, 02:01:25 PMWhy go across town when you can go across the hall
A shining example for the sin of sloth.
Q: How do you identify a redneck virgin?
A: She's the one that can run faster than her brothers.
Or at least that's what my brother, who was also my favorite uncle, used to tell me.
Quote from: DigiCorn on September 24, 2014, 02:03:34 PMQ: How do you identify a redneck virgin?
A: She's the one that can run faster than her brothers.
Or at least that's what my brother, who was also my favorite uncle, used to tell me.
That, sir is an italian joke, not a redneck joke. And it's very old.
What's the difference between Virginia and West Virginia?
In Virginia, Moosehead is a beer. In West Virginia it's a misdemeanor.
Why did O.J. Simpson want to move to Tennessee?
Everyone there has the same DNA.
What do rednecks call duct tape?
Chrome.
Two rednecks go on a fishing trip. They rent all the equipment - the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods. I mean they spend a fortune!
The first day they go fishing, but they don't catch anything. The same thing happens on the second day, and on the third day. It goes on like this until finally, on the last day of their vacation, one of the men catches a fish.
As they're driving home they're really depressed. One guy turns to the other and says, "Do you realize that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred bucks?"
The other guy says, "Wow! Then it's a good thing we didn't catch any more!"
Quote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 02:04:56 PMQuote from: DigiCorn on September 24, 2014, 02:03:34 PMQ: How do you identify a redneck virgin?
A: She's the one that can run faster than her brothers.
Or at least that's what my brother, who was also my favorite uncle, used to tell me.
That, sir is an italian joke, not a redneck joke. And it's very old.
This is true. I first remembered it from my mom's "truly tasteless jokes" book I nabbed from her.
Quote from: Farabomb on September 24, 2014, 02:22:49 PMQuote from: DigitalCrapShoveler on September 24, 2014, 02:04:56 PMQuote from: DigiCorn on September 24, 2014, 02:03:34 PMQ: How do you identify a redneck virgin?
A: She's the one that can run faster than her brothers.
Or at least that's what my brother, who was also my favorite uncle, used to tell me.
That, sir is an italian joke, not a redneck joke. And it's very old.
This is true. I first remembered it from my mom's "truly tasteless jokes" book I nabbed from her.
I remember it well.